Princess Charlene, Queen Maxima, and Queen Letizia Pay Respects to Pope Francis After His Passing at 88

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Monarchies from around the world have shared tributes to Pope Francis following his death yesterday aged 88.

The pontiff ‘passed away peacefully’ at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican on Monday, according to his doctors. The cause of death has since been confirmed as a stroke, leading to subsequent heart failure.

Royals across Europe and beyond will be expected to attend his funeral on Saturday at St Peter’s Square – with King Phillipe and Queen Mathilde the first confirmed to attend.

Europe was quick to issue statements following the death of the beloved Pope, with royals including Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands all sending their condolences.

King Charles led the way, with His Majesty saying he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the Pope’s passing.

He said Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, would be ‘remembered for his compassion’ and had ‘profoundly touched the lives of so many’.

And, as one of the last remaining Catholic monarchies in Europe, the Belgian royals shared a tribute to the Pontiff on Instagram, describing their ‘great sadness’ at hearing the news.

Pope Francis had met the couple just last September at Laeken Castle, during a tour of Belgium and Luxembourg.

Monarchies from around the world have shared tributes to Pope Francis following his death yesterday aged 88. Pictured: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene with the Pope

Philippe and Mathilde wrote: ‘It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Pope Francis.

‘He was a great man, close to the most humble and concerned about the world’s problems. We share the grief of all Catholics throughout the world and all those who loved and appreciated him.

‘We also express our gratitude for the honor he bestowed upon us by visiting our country. Philippe and Mathilde.’

Meanwhile Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco shared a photograph of meeting the Pope in 2022, having also met him in 2013 and 2016.

Accompanying the post, Albert shared his ‘infinite sadness’ and ‘deep sorrow’ in a deeply personal message.

It will be a particular blow for the royals, as Albert’s first overseas trip as sovereign was to the funeral of Pope John II, while Charlene converted to Catholicism just prior to her marriage.

King Felipe of Spain shared a message on behalf of his family, including his wife Queen Letizia, to social media and sent his condolences.

Pope Francis meets King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain at his private library in the Apostolic Palace in 2014

Pope Francis together with Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustaf during their meeting in the Kings House in Lund, October 31, 2016

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima issued a statement to the Royal House’s website. Pictured with Pope Francis in 2017

As one of the last remaining Catholic monarchies in Europe, the Belgian royals shared a tribute to the Pontiff on Instagram. Pictured in September

IN FULL: TRIBUTES FROM THE WORLD’S ROYALS TO POPE FRANCIS

KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER AND QUEEN MAXIMA OF THE NETHERLANDS

‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We have warm memories of our personal audience with him, during our state visit to the Holy See in 2017. Pope Francis radiated mercy in everything he did. With his deep-rooted faith in God’s love, he was the embodiment of benevolence and humanity. Choosing a simple, ascetic way of life, he consistently chose the side of the vulnerable and needy. He was deeply convinced that God works through humility and compassion, and in that spirit he actively sought to build bridges with other religious communities all over the world. He was a committed guardian of the listening and loving Church, and as a result he succeeded in winning the hearts of many, both within the Roman Catholic Church and outside it. We will cherish his memory in gratitude.’

PRINCE ALBERT AND PRINCESS CHARLENE OF MONACO

‘It is with infinite sadness and deep sorrow that we learned of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis on this Easter Monday. Particularly moved, my family, myself and the Principality would like to express our deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and all the faithful with whom we share a great sorrow. In this time of pain and mourning, we keep in mind and in our hearts the apostolic blessings which the Holy Father lavishly bestowed upon us during his Pontificate and fervently pray for the repose of his soul. May his unrelenting message of love, brotherhood, peace, faith, justice, mercy, compassion, and respect for our nature continue to nourish our thoughts and commitments to the service of the common good and radiate upon a world he will leave his mark on. With profound gratitude, we pay tribute to the very great servant of mankind who has just left us. We ask Your Most Reverend Eminence to believe in the part that we take, with all the inhabitants of the Principality, in the mourning of the Church and of the Vatican City.’

KING FELIPE AND QUEEN LETIZIA OF SPAIN

‘Most Reverend Eminence: Upon receiving, with deep sadness, the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, I wish to send you, in my name, in that of the Government and in that of the Spanish people, the testimony of our most heartfelt regret. His Holiness Pope Francis has testified throughout his pontificate to the importance of love of neighbor, brotherhood and social friendship for the world of our century. We will always be inspired by his conviction of the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy and the importance he gave to dialogue and consensus to achieve a more just and supportive world. In the face of pain for his loss, the Queen and the entire Royal Family join me to convey to the entire Catholic Church, our condolences and our affection, as well as our prayers for their eternal rest. Receive, Most Reverend Eminence, the testimony of my highest Consideration and esteem. Felipe R.’

KING FREDERIK OF DENMARK

‘Your Eminence, It is with profound sorrow that the Queen and I have learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We have fond memories from our meeting with His Holiness in 2018 at the Vatican. We will remember him as a Pope dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and always advocating for people living in vulnerable situations. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences for the Church in this time of loss.’

KING CARL GUSTAF AND QUEEN SILVIA OF SWEDEN

‘The Queen and I remember Pope Francis with great respect and warmth. By virtue of his natural charisma, deep humility, and unwavering defense of human dignity, the Pope was a significant leader. Many in our country particularly appreciated Pope Francis’ historic visit to Lund almost ten years ago. We remember with warmth the ecumenical service when Lutherans and Catholics gathered under the arches of the cathedral to leave historical conflicts behind in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding. The Pope also received the Queen at the Vatican several times to jointly shed light on the many injustices that the world’s children are forced to endure. On this day, we look back with gratitude on the Pope’s commitment to the world’s vulnerable. Our thoughts go out to Catholics around the world who have lost a great leader and role model.’

PRINCESS MADELEINE OF SWEDEN

‘Dear Pope Francis, thank you for the compassion and courage you showed in defending vulnerable and exploited children. Your voice gave hope to those who felt invisible, and your actions helped bring safety, dignity, and love to so many who had known only pain. I will always be grateful for the light you brought into the lives of the most forgotten. Your kindness and courage will always be remembered. My family and I will always cherish the memory of meeting you.’

KING HARALD OF NORWAY

‘Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals Your Eminence, I was deeply saddened to learn that His Holiness Pope Francis has passed away. On behalf of myself and the people of Norway, I send you my deepfelt condolences. Pope Francis was highly respected and loved for being a passionate and clear voice for the most vulnerable in society. My sympathy is with all Catholics in Norway and around the world on this sad occasion. Harald R.’

KING CHARLES

‘My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry. His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many. The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month. We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.’

KING PHILIPPE AND QUEEN MATHILDE OF BELGIUM

‘It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Pope Francis. He was a great man, close to the most humble and concerned about the world’s problems. We share the grief of all Catholics throughout the world and all those who loved and appreciated him. We also express our gratitude for the honor he bestowed upon us by visiting our country. Philippe and Mathilde’

GRAND DUKE HENRI and DUCHESS MARIA THERESA OF LUXEMBOURG

‘Your Eminence, The Grand Duchess and I are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. This sadness is all the greater given that we had the honor and immense joy of welcoming him on an official visit to Luxembourg last October. Pope Francis was a man of great compassion, sharing the pain and suffering of others. Constantly concerned about the problems of the most disadvantaged and refugees, he was devoted to the most vulnerable, while remaining attentive to the hopes of young people. He was a spiritual guide for us and for the world beyond the Church. We offer our most sincere condolences to you and, through you, to the entire Catholic community. Henri’

KING MOHAMMED OF MOROCCO

‘That visit strengthened the foundations of the close and special relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Holy See. It was a significant milestone in our common desire to continue enhancing dialogue, understanding and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims. That auspicious visit culminated in the signing by His Holiness Pope Francis and myself of the ‘Jerusalem Declaration’, which calls for guaranteeing the right of the followers of the three monotheistic religions to freely enter the Holy City and perform their religious rituals therein.’

QUEEN RANIA OF JORDAN

‘In a world that can often feel heartless, Pope Francis always had love to spare — for the less fortunate, refugee families, and children in war zones, in Gaza and around the world. Humanity has lost an invaluable champion for peace and compassion today. May he rest in peace.’

KING ABDULLAH OF JORDAN

‘My deepest condolences to our Christian brothers and sisters around the world on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a man of peace who was beloved by the people for his kindness, humility, and tireless efforts to bring everyone together. His memory will live on in the hearts of millions.’

He said: ‘I wish to send you, in my name, in that of the Government and in that of the Spanish people, the testimony of our most heartfelt regret.

‘His Holiness Pope Francis has testified throughout his pontificate to the importance of love of neighbor, brotherhood and social friendship for the world of our century.’

He added: ‘In the face of pain for his loss, the Queen and the entire Royal Family join me to convey to the entire Catholic Church, our condolences and our affection, as well as our prayers for their eternal rest.’

Though many monarchies opted for a social media post, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands instead shared a letter to the Royal House;s website, announcing they were ‘deeply saddened’ to hear the news.

In their message, they referenced ‘warm memories’, including their state visit to the Holy See in 2017.

Other royals quick to send their messages including Grand Henri and Duchess Maria Theresa of Luxembourg, King Frederik of Denmark and King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway.

Sweden saw statements both from King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, and their daughter Princess Madeleine, while King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan issued separate statements.

The Vatican said Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure.

Pope Francis Meets Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark at the Apostolic Palace on November 8, 2018

Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah during a meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican, on November 10, 2022

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Pope Francis and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg last September

The stroke led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, a death certificate confirmed.

Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, issued the official certification, said that the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.

His death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.

In his last testament, he asked that the ‘suffering that has marked the final part of my life [leads to] peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples’.

He also asked to be buried in a ‘niche of the side nave between the Cappella Paolina (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Cappella Sforza of the aforementioned Papal Basilica.’

The Vatican’s report comes around 12 hours after the pontiff’s death was first announced.

Since then, thousands of mourners tonight gathered for a Rosary prayer vigil in front of St Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, to commemorate the life of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti led the event as part of the ceremonies and prayers following the ‘peaceful’ death of the Pope at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican today.

Francis (pictured on Easter Sunday) died from a cerebral haemorrhage and a stroke, the Vatican said

Thousands of mourners gathered for a Rosary prayer vigil in front of St Peter’s Basilica

The cardinal opened the service by saying: ‘We all have in our hearts the words Pope Francis addressed to us, “Do not forget to pray for me”.

‘We know that death is not a door that closes, but rather a gateway to the heavenly Jerusalem.’

The Rosary is a prayer ritual that will precede the Pope’s transfer to St. Peter’s Basilica so that the faithful can bid farewell before his burial and is expected to continue each evening until his funeral.

The atmosphere was solemn and several people were in tears as the prayers were recited and as the event ended after 34 minutes a ripple applause broke out.

In London’s Westminster Cathedral, more than a thousand mourners gathered this evening in to mourn Pope Francis.

The pews inside the Cathedral, which is the largest Catholic Church in the UK, were packed with many people, both young and old, as the first of three masses to honour the pontiff began.

Meanwhile officials in the Italian government were said to be considering three days of mourning following the funeral.

It would mean a minute’s silence being observed and all flags at half mast on public buildings while scheduled events for ministers would be cancelled.

For about 50 minutes, the pontiff’s vehicle slowly moved through the masses, but Italian media now speculate that doctors would have advised against him bathing in the crowd as he was likely immunocompromised following his pneumonia battle

The last time there was such a period of national mourning in Italy was for the death of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

The death of the Argentine pontiff, leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, came less than a month after having been released from hospital following a 38-day battle with double pneumonia.

In a final act of devotion, Pope Francis had greeted worshippers in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday in what turned out to be his last public appearance before his death.

Surprisingly, the Pope was not wearing a nasal cannula hooked up to oxygen when he was driven through the crowd of 35,000 faithful yesterday, having worn it for many of his appearances since he was discharged.

For about 50 minutes, the pontiff’s vehicle slowly moved through the masses in 21C heat, in spite of doctors’ orders that the pope rest and cut buck his schedule at the very least. But the pontiff was determined to continue doing God’s work.

Earlier, he had appeared on the Vatican balcony and told crowds, ‘Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter’, before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and speech, which called for an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The Holy See’s press service announced only the Pontiff’s death shortly after he passed away, writing in tribute that he had dedicated his ‘entire life’ to serving God and the church.

His body will now lie in state in St Peter’s Basilica for three days, and then he will be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His body could lie in state as soon as Wednesday, according to Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office.

As the world mourns the loss of the Catholic leader, the battle to succeed Pope Francis, one for the very soul of the Catholic Church and its over a billion followers around the world, has likely begun behind closed doors.

Whoever becomes the 267th Pope will dictate the direction of the Church for the next decade or more on the most pressing, and contentious, issues facing society.

Pope Francis broke with the conservative stance of his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and his papacy will be remembered for his liberalism on LGBTQ+ rights, his support for refugees, and his focus on climate change.

In recent years Francis has done a great deal to shape the makeup of the ancient and secretive group that will appoint his successor, with about 80 per cent of the 138 Cardinals eligible to vote having been appointed by him, meaning there is a good chance the next Pope will be somebody loyal to Francis who takes a liberal approach to the Papacy.